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Reactions: Revitalized Boks?

Are the Springboks' problems behind them?

Posted: Tuesday August 24, 1999 02:55 PM

Percy Montgomery and the Springboks look to gain momentum before heading to Wales for the World Cup. David Rogers/Allsport

CNNSI.com asked users if they thought that the Springboks problems were behind them or if their recent success would lull them into a false sense of success. Opinions varied, and a sampling of the most interesting responses follows:

Australia did not play as well as they had hope, or were expected to. South Africa was not much more exciting. But, I will say this, a team can only play as well as they are allowed to. Not to say that the BOKs were the only cause of Autralia's woes, but definitely a big part.

SA dominated all the tight phases, and was quicker to the loose ball. The SA forwards and loose forwards played a major role in stifling the Austalians' game. The conditions made matters worse. In poor conditions forward dominance ussually results in victory.

You have probably figured out that I am a Bok supporter... But, I won't fool myself. The improvement the Boks have shown is encouraging. There are a lot of players still coming back from injury.And as we've seen already these players do make a difference.

South Africa have a lot of work to do though, returning players or not, to be serious contenders for the William Webb Elis trophy. Let's hope they can do it, they are still our National Team, and National Pride.
-- D. Rapanos, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., U.S.

The Springboks were lucky to defeat the Wallabies. Several missed opportunities and plain schoolboy mistakes cost the Wallabies the game. South Africa's win was not due to their oustanding play just poor play by the Wallabies. I am looking forward to the Eagles vs. the Wallabies in Wales. That will be a measure of how good the Wallabies are. As far as the Springboks, I don't see them advancing very far this year. GO USA!
-- Joseph Boswell, Fredonia, N.Y.

This will be the tightest RWC ever. This will favour a side with tough forwards and good defence. I think teams like SA and England fall into this mould. Running teams like NZ and Aus don't. The Springboks proved during the last few games that they have the best pack in the world, because their pack shaded or beat NZ and Australia in all games, even though the team lost the first three games. Remember the Boks had up to eight of their top players missing through injury. Last year when NZ had four top players retire they lost five straight. Few opponents dispute the fact the SA is the toughest team to play physically and their resolve is legendary. In answer to your question, they will be a force at RWC. They have the tradition,results and self belief.
-- Terry Ray, Vancouver, B.C.

I don't particularly like the Boks, but one thing is known. They played badly before the 1995 World Cup, getting whipped by the Aussies and All Blacks at regular intervals. What happened? Is history going to repeat itself? Will the All-Blacks play well at the start of the season only to falter to the Boks and Wallabies a the critical moment? Only time will tell.
-- Franklin Shepperson, Cape Town

Firstly, I think the Springboks deserve their victory. They played in such a way that it was difficult for Aussies to do anything but just defend (their defence was outstanding). South Africa should have won the match by a much bigger margin because they were definately a better team of the day even though they gave away silly penalties that helped theh Wallabies in a way. They did not allow Australia to play them, they played in such a way that they were contesting for the title.

A win will definately boost their confidence especially, against one of the best three teams in the world.

I think also there is still a lot of hard work that still needs to be done by Mallet and his players.At lease there is a progress they have managed to replace Gaffie Du Toit who was the main culprit against the All Blacks in Pretoria.

I think the Boks are coming and I still believe will be the team to watch during the World Cup!!

Australia is still a good team but they did not play as if they were contesting for the cup at all !!
-- Khaya,

The Springboks did not win this match; the Wallabies lost it. And if the Wallabies were concerned about the conditions under which they were playing they'd better hope for a miracle in Wales 99. The UK is not a Holiday destination as a result of its' climate. As to whether or not the Springboks are back, we'll have to wait until the their many injured players return from injury before we really know.

Salt for Australia's wounds.
-- Phil Karp, Ramat Beit Shemesh

It is light at the end of the tunnel for the Springboks inasmuch as sustained pressure and spirit triumphed over a lacklustre Wallaby side.

Put frankly, the performances of the Springboks were certainly subpar, when compared to the rarefied heights of New Zealand rugby. However, the Wallabies were also guilty of committing the most elementary mistakes.

It was a game which neither side really deserved to win. However, the Springboks may claim some comfort from the performances of the forwards, which are easily among the world's best. However, their backline play continues to be uninspiring, though it is worthwhile noting that the tremendous pressure exerted by the Springboks effectively rendered the awesome Wallaby backline irrelevant.

In summary, it would be premature to draw any conclusions from this match, other to note that it was a much improved display for the Springboks, though falling far short of the standards required to short circuit a fired up All Black side. The Australians will also have to review their unfortunate habit of succumbing to pressure at the hands of the Springboks. Both sides, however, committed some of the most appallingly elementary mistakes in rugby - which is simply not acceptable for such respected professional rugby sides.
-- Alastair, Johannesburg

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